The Hurricanes won back-to-back home games and are up 3-1 in the series heading into tonight’s Game 5 matchup. The Capitals are +145 home underdogs on the Moneyline with the game total set at O/U 5.5 goals. As it was for Games 1-4, the starting goaltenders will be Logan Thompson and Frederik Andersen.
Please read below for my top prediction and pick for tonight’s Game 5 matchup between the Capitals and Hurricanes.
Be sure to check out the DK Network betting group where analysts drop their best bets and favorite picks each day!
See today’s NHL best bets here: NHL Best Bets Today: DK Network Betting Group Picks for Thursday 5/15/25
Capitals vs. Hurricanes Game 5 preview, prediction
Tonight is do-or-die for the Capitals. They were outscored 9-to-2 in Games 3 and 4 on the road but should come out stronger tonight at home. Washington was one of the best teams at home during the regular season while Carolina struggled on the road, posting a 16-21-4 record. Plus, Thompson has been a brickwall at home this postseason, posting a .954 save percentage and 1.38 GAA. The Capitals have been slightly better at home thus far, averaging 2.80 goals per game but their 5v5 play hasn’t gotten the job done. They rank 10th in both 5v5 goal percentage and 5v5 expected goal percentage as well as eighth in 5v5 high-danger chances this postseason.
The Hurricanes have gone 2-2 on the road this postseason and won Game 1 in overtime. Andersen has been the best goaltender thus far, ranking first in both goals saved above expected and save percentage above expected. Carolina has smothered Washington at even strength and killed 2-of-12 power play opportunities. It ranks fifth in goals per game, fourth in 5v5 goal percentage and second in 5v5 high-danger chances. The offensive metrics heavily favor the Hurricanes despite the offense being their usual postseason Achilles heel.
Capitals vs. Hurricanes Game 5 pick, best bet
Aside from the five third-period goals in Game 4, this series has been low-scoring because of elite defense and goaltending. I have a strong lean toward the under on 5.5 goals (-120) and expect another tight game as it was in Games 1 and 2. As for my pick, I’m rolling with the Capitals to extend the series and pick up the win at home. Tonight’s Moneyline splits are interesting with the Hurricanes receiving 54% of the bets but only 31% of the handle. I doubt the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference that excelled at home fails to show up in a Game 5. At such juicy Moneyline odds, I’d regret not throwing a little something on a home dog in the playoffs.
